Gosport school tops Hampshire league table for Progress 8 score

Bay House School, in Gomer Lane, Gosport, has achieved the best Progress 8 score in Hampshire following this summer’s GCSE results.

The new measure scores the progress students make from the start of secondary school, as opposed to schools being rated on the percentage of students who achieve five A* to C GCSE grades.

It examines GCSE results in English and maths, three qualifications from science, humanities or languages and in three recognised additional subjects.

The calculation is based on the progress the students have made in these subjects since their end of primary school tests.

The recently-published tables from the Department for Education show that students from Bay House School performed well above the national average and with a score that was significantly above any other school in Hampshire.

Ian Potter, executive headteacher at Bay House, said: ‘I am delighted that the hard work and aspirations of these pupils show that whatever part of the county you learn in you have as good a chance as any student to make excellent progress, regardless of your starting point.’

Dr Nigel Matthias, deputy headteacher, has welcomed the new Progress 8 measure.

He said: ‘It takes into account the achievement of every student in the year group and so the progress made by everyone, whatever was their starting point, is recognised and calculated.

‘It means that all schools now have to value the achievement made by every student.’

Councillor Peter Edgar, executive member of education for Hampshire County Council, has congratulated Bay House on its achievement.

Cllr Edgar said: ‘Whenever there is a change in system, it is always a worrying time and for the school to come out on top is quite an achievement.

‘It is a school that not only achieves great results but also works with all of the community.

‘It is very reassuring to parents whose children are in the school or parents who maybe looking to put them in the school in the future.’